Sunday, October 2, 2011

History of an American Terrorist: al-Awlaki

VoA: U.S.-born Islamist terrorist Anwar al-Awlaki, killed by a U.S. strike in Yemen on Friday, was a notorious and outspoken figure within al-Qaida, and a leader of the terrorist network's wing in Yemen.

The Obama administration targeted Awlaki for his role in orchestrating terrorism aimed at the United States. He had become more prominent since the death in May of al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden.

Awlaki, whose group in Yemen is known as al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, was believed to have been the target of a U.S. drone attack in May that killed two suspected militants in Yemen. He also escaped an air attack that killed 30 people last year.

Awlaki was born in New Mexico in 1971 to Yemeni parents and was fluent in Arabic and English.

He served as an "imam" at several U.S. mosques, including one in the western city of San Diego that was frequented by two men who later were involved in the September 11, 2001, attacks against the United States.

After Awlaki traveled to Yemen, he became an Internet sensation with a loyal following, including many islamists around the world who listened to recordings of his preachings.

In spite of his American background, Awlaki was a vocal critic of America, and he motivated others to commit violence against U.S. interests. In a speech in November 2010, he told his followers they should feel free to kill Americans anywhere, at any time, without any need to consult with anyone beforehand. Awlaki said Muslims in contact with Americans face an “us or them” situation....

It IS an 'us or them' situation, by THEIR choosing. Read the rest here, and pay attention!